Flying Star CaféWinner of Best Casual Dining, Best Veggie Burger, Best Toast, Best Healthy Breakfast and Best Desserts in our restaurant polls. Sure, you go in thinking you’ll be good and get a skinny latte, scrambled egg whites and a side of turkey and green chile sausage, but five minutes later somebody’s saying “eclair” and the voice is coming from your mouth. But, boy, do they taste good. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

WeekdaysWe oftenly find ourselves walking into Weekdays repeating, “Just the protein plate. Just the protein plate,” then hear the words, “Morning cheese steak with two chocolate chip cookies and a coffee, please!” and have no regrets; it’s all affordable, delicous food served with a smile. (Alibi Staff, February 2, 2017)

2G's BistroIf you’re in the mood for generous portions of house-roasted meats in a simple setting, 2G’s Bistro is the place to go. What are these meats, you ask? Get a taste in the form of a rueben, French dip, pulled pork slider, carne lunch burrito and more. Plus they have a $5 kids’ menu. (Alibi Staff, June 2, 2017)

Al’s Big DipperAl’s still serves a hefty menu of inspired hot and cold sandwiches. There’s an emphasis on homemade touches, from the sweet onion jam on the roast beef sandwich to the cookie that comes with every order. Good salads, daily made-from-scratch soups and a new sandwich special every day keep the lunch crowd on its toes. (Alibi Staff, November 4, 2010)

Artichoke CaféIt only makes sense to order the steamed artichoke at the Artichoke Café. Slathered in lemon-caper oil and a raspberry vinaigrette, it makes a great starter before trying a more hefty order of grilled curried chicken or sliced steak. Once your lunch or dinner at the upscale Artichoke Café has concluded, you’ve got to adjourn to the sexy wine bar next door. The wine list is actually a leather-bound tome with a massive assortment of wines. Prices start at a decent $28 or $30 a bottle and zoom up into the upper stratospheres of frivolity, but you can also order select vintages by the half-bottle or glass. You'll love the front-facing "big city" windows, curvy wooden bar and comfortable seats. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Café LushCafé Lush is like a daydream of the way things might be in some future hybrid of Europe and Albuquerque. It’s an urban café on a quiet street corner with a small menu of simple, yet well-crafted dishes and a pledge to use local, seasonal and organic ingredients whenever possible. But unlike in Europe, the red and green chile won’t disappoint. (Alibi Staff, November 17, 2011)

Cecilia’s CaféCecilia is the matriarch of one of Albuquerque’s best breakfast burritos and red chile. Clinging close to the heart of Downtown on Sixth Street and Silver, Cecilia makes the food herself in the kitchen. The red chile is no joke and the prices are pretty friggin’ cheap, too. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Cheese & Coffee Café DowntownThis spot has some 20 sandwich choices including a fruit and cheese, a gyro and a French dip awaiting the hungry diner. The Sicilian sandwich, a pepperoni, capicolla and mozzarella concoction on French bread, is excellent. Try a slice of house-baked lemon cake, moist and springy, with just enough lemon to offset the rich cream cheese frosting.

Conchita’s CafeLooking for something light and fresh? Try Conchita’s Cafe where there is a weekly five dollar salad special and a six dollar daily special like the meatball sub. Other dishes include strawberry salad, quinoa wrap and taco plate. Sandwiches are also available. (Alibi Staff, July 18, 2013)

Dog House Drive InThe flashing sign beckons us to hot dog mecca, where we indulge in not only dogs but the essential tater tots and Frito pie. Get your dogs to go and race home so you can enjoy them with a few brews. Or go inside the Dog House and find a seat at the tiny counter, then nurse that sweaty tongue of yours with a milkshake. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

The Farmacy In this cozy cafe, a small crew serves top-notch, freshly made and locally sourced foods to Albuquerque's hungry brunch crowd. It may seem like there’s a delay on tour order—but believe us—it’s worth wating for. (Alibi Staff, May 18, 2017)

Gold Rush CupcakesMoist cake, exceptional cream cheese frosting, and inspired flavors and decorations are a treasure on their own. Wholesome and affordable sandwich options and daily specials are just the icing on the cake. (Alibi Staff, June 16, 2011)

Gold Street CafféThis charming café is probably going to be busy every morning we try to eat there, but it’s totally worth the wait. They serve up a menu of homey breakfast favorites like waffles, eggs benedict, breakfast burritos, huevos and their gold hash, plus more delicious options for lunch and dinner. We recommend the portobello mushroom sandwich! (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

Holy CowThe New Mexico grass-fed Holy Cow burger comes on a brioche bun, while an ahi tuna sandwich, veggie club and dinner salads offer some more choices for bovine-averse diners. Beer and wine, plus shakes, malts and floats are available to complete the sacrament. (Alibi Staff, September 1, 2011)

Ibiza at Hotel AndaluzThis rooftop bar offers a breezy patio, a menu of small plates and specialty cocktails for those looking to relax after a long day at work (the kind where you wear suits!). The food is hit or miss, but the house-created cocktails—like the spicy-yet-refreshing cucumber-jalapeño margarita—make it well worth a visit. (Alibi Staff, October 10, 2012)

Java Joe’sThere are indeed “few choices left to get that cool Haight-Ashbury ’60s feeling.” Don’t get the wrong idea though, this neighborhood coffee shop isn’t overflowing with hippies. It attracts a diverse crowd of cyclists, artists, musicians, hipsters and grown-ups just looking for a cuppa joe (albeit one with in-house roasted beans). The food is simple and satisfying, from freshly baked scones to waffles, sandwiches and salads. Warning: The scrambled-egg breakfast burrito may cause you to moan out loud. Don’t worry though, the people sitting around you will understand. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)

The Library Bar and GrillThe food is pretty standard bar fare with burgers and the like. But hey, you can have a delicious Pickleback (whiskey and pickle juice) to wash it down. Then hop out onto the dance floor, cheer on the neon go-go dancers and boogie. (Alibi Staff, August 11, 2010)